February 2025 changes in Germany. Life in Germany. On February 23, 2025, elections will bring a new Bundestag, with changes not only in its members but also in the total number of parliamentarians, which will be smaller. February will also have fewer working days and school holidays in most federal states. Here are the key changes taking effect in February 2025 in Germany, including those relevant to Romanians living there.
Reducing the number of parliamentarians
Under the new electoral law, the Bundestag elected on February 23, 2025, will have fewer members. The total number of seats is capped at 630, eliminating the additional and compensatory seats that previously increased its size. Seat distribution will now be determined solely by the second vote of the electorate.
Decreasing solar energy tariffs
Starting February 1, 2025, owners of photovoltaic panels will see a 1% reduction in the payment for electricity fed into the grid. This semi-annual reduction affects new systems installed after this date, meaning they will receive slightly lower compensation for the energy they provide.
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February, short month: Fewer working days
February 2025 will have 28 days since 2025 is not a leap year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this results in slightly fewer working days compared to 2024. In Germany, the average number of working days in 2025 will be 248.1—0.7 days fewer than the previous year.
Electronic patient records: What will change for insured person
The electronic patient record (ePA) is set to launch in mid-February 2025, with testing already underway. This digital system will allow storage and access to medical information such as medication plans, prescriptions, doctor’s letters, lab results, and X-rays. In the future, it will also include maternity records, vaccination cards, and dental bonus records. Starting in 2025, ePAs will be automatically created for everyone with statutory health insurance.
Prohibitions on certain AI applications
Starting February 2, 2025, specific artificial intelligence (AI) applications are banned under the European Union’s AI Law. This includes systems that assess individuals based on characteristics, behaviors, or traits, such as the “Social Scoring” system used in China, according to Handelsblatt.
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School holidays in several federal states
Although the Christmas holidays just ended, students in Germany are already looking forward to the next break: the winter or mid-term break. The dates and duration of this holiday vary by federal state. Here’s the schedule for February 2025:
- Berlin: February 3 – February 8
- Brandenburg: February 3 – February 8
- Bremen: February 3 – February 4
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: February 3 – February 14
- Lower Saxony: February 3 – February 4
- Saarland: February 24 – March 4
- Saxony: February 17 – March 1
- Thuringia: February 3 – February 8
Women’s Carnival in 2025
Women’s Festival (Weiberfastnacht) falls on February 27 in 2025, marking the start of the carnival season’s most festive six days. Known as Altweiberfasching, Altweiberfastnacht, or simply Altweiber in some regions, this day is an unofficial holiday. Many employees finish work early, often taking the afternoon off to join the celebrations.
The festivities traditionally begin at 11:11 AM, with people dressing up in costumes and celebrating in bars, on streets, and in town squares. Large squares are filled with crowds, music, and stalls, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.